Flood alerts issued

Published:16:28Thursday 20 December 2012

THE SCOTTISH Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued flood warnings and alerts for many areas across Scotland today.

Richard Brown, Head of Hydrology for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “Due to persistent and heavy rain over many parts of Scotland there is a widespread flood risk. The heaviest rainfall is expected to be in Stirlingshire, Perthshire, Angus, South Aberdeenshire, Central, the Southern Uplands and an area just to the North of Glasgow. The rain will be accompanied by strong to gale force south-easterly winds.

“There is a risk of river flooding on Thursday and Friday for Tayside, Dundee, Angus, Aberdeenshire, Lothians, Fife, Scottish Borders and Argyll and Bute. Impacts in these areas could include flooding to land and roads.

“There is also a coastal flood risk for the latter part of Thursday and throughout Friday for the northern, Moray and eastern coastlines including Stonehaven and Orkney. Disruption is possible in areas where defences were damaged over last weekend.

“Twelve specific Flood Warnings are currently in place for Finavon and Tannadice, Broughty Ferry, Dundee Central, Riverside West, Kirkcaldy, Aberbothrie, Bridge of Ruthven to Leitfie, Carse of Lennoch to Lochlane, Crieff to Innerpeffray, Innerpeffray to Bridge of Earn, Taymouth Castle to Boat of Cluny, and The River Isla at Coupar Angus.

“The rain is expected to gradually decrease during Friday before further rain extends northwards during Saturday.

“Members of the public, in areas which could be affected, are encouraged to remain vigilant and mindful of the conditions in their locality, especially if travelling. Businesses and members of the public can access the latest flood updates for their area, and sign up to Floodline, SEPA’s direct warning service, via our website www.sepa.org.uk, or by calling 0845 988 1188.”

Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “With this latest bout of severe weather in parts of Scotland I would reiterate SEPAs’ advice that the public should remain vigilant and pay attention to Floodline. The Scottish Government’s Resilience Team is monitoring the situation and is engaged with local responders to understand the impacts of the weather on areas affected and support their efforts to protect communities across Scotland.”

Nick Grahame, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office said: “We have issued a number of severe weather warnings and it’s important people are weather aware by staying up to date with these during this period of unsettled weather. Amber means you need to be prepared for the weather and take steps to change your plans and protect you and your family or community from the impacts of the severe weather based on the forecast from the Met Office. We’d advise people in the areas affected to expect some disruption and take precautions if they are in an area at risk from heavy rain and flooding.”